News and Publications — OMAG

Common Mistakes in Confined Spaces Monitoring

Common Mistakes in Confined Spaces Monitoring

Learning from practical, real-world experience often requires learning from our own mistakes. In many cases, this can be an effective way of developing greater levels of competence and understanding in a given subject. Unfortunately, when mistakes are made in confined space monitoring, the cost of this education if often measured in the number of lives lost (see 2016 Falls Creek Baptist Assembly Wastewater stories on the internet - KP). 

The deadly nature of confined spaces leaves little room for error and even less opportunity to “learn as you go”. Learning about some common mistakes before entering a confined space will go a long way toward establishing a workplace air monitoring program based on industry best practices. (If your municipality does not have a gas monitoring detector and calibration kit and you can’t afford one, look into OMAG’s Public Works Safety Enhancement Grant Program on our website www.omag.org/getfreestuff -KP).

Mistake #1 – Not knowing OSHA standards and recommendations

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Beware the Invisible Killer

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Beware the Invisible Killer

As Seasons Change, Beware the Invisible Killer

More than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel is burned in vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, furnaces and the like.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, and as the weather turns colder in many parts of the country, it is important to be aware of the risks. Carbon monoxide becomes deadly when it builds up in enclosed spaces - and anyone can be affected.

At Work
Workers in certain professions, including welders, mechanics, firefighters and toll booth attendants are particularly at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, according to OSHA.

To reduce the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace:
•    Install proper ventilation systems
•    Keep equipment in good working order
•    Consider switching from gas to electrical or battery operated equipment
•    Prohibit use of gas-powered engines in poorly ventilated areas
•    Provide personal, audible alarms
•    Educate workers about carbon monoxide poisoning

At Home
About 170 people die each year from carbon monoxide exposure produced by room heaters and home generators, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The National Safety Council recommends installing a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector.

The CDC offers these and other tips:
•    Professionally service your furnace, water heater and any other fuel-burning devices every year
•    Never use a generator indoors or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent
•    Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year
•    Make sure gas appliances are vented properly
•    Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm; immediately move outside, call 911 and make sure everyone is accounted for
 
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you see someone with the following symptoms who may have been poisoned,move the victim outside immediately and call 911. If he or she is not breathing, begin CPR.  Low to Moderate CO Poisoning - headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.  High-level CO Poisoning - mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination and loss of consciousness.

This article is shared from the National Safety Council’s Safety Spotlight.

Contact OMAG Risk Management Services department if you have questions about this or any other workplace safety topic.  Gary Cauthen can be reached at (800) 234-9461 or gcauthen@omag.org.

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Sanitary Sewer Backflow Prevention

Sanitary Sewer Backflow Prevention

Every year, OMAG receives 1,000 (+/-) tort claims that are filed against municipalities that participate in the Municipal Liability Protection Plan (MLPP). Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) are one of the most frequently filed claims we receive. In the past 10 years OMAG has paid over 6 million dollars in damages due to SSOs. In a recent interview with Todd Lansdown, Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor with the City of Bartlesville since 1981, Todd recommended these “BEST PRACTICES” to assist in SSO prevention and dealing with customers who have had one of these  unfortunate events. He noted that these policies and procedures are not all his own ideas—they’ve been passed down and refined over the years.

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Spaceheaters - Hidden Fire Hazard

Spaceheaters - Hidden Fire Hazard

While space heaters are legal and widely used as an alternative heat source, many fire departments do not recommend their use because they pose certain hazards. If you have a space heater, or are considering getting one, consider the following safety tips as vital information for your personal safety as well as for protecting your property. 
 
•    Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the area where you have a space heater. 
•    Never use fuel burning appliances without proper ventilation. Burning fuel (kerosene, coal, or propane, for example) produces deadly fumes. 
•    Be sure your space heater is in good working condition. All space heaters need frequent check-ups and cleaning. A dirty or neglected heater is a critical fire hazard. Also, space heaters should be UL (United Laboratories) approved and have knock-over shut-off switches. 
•    Use only the proper fuel for each heater. Never introduce a fuel into a heating unit that is not designed for that unit. 
•    Store kerosene, gasoline, or other flammable liquids outside the home or office at all times. 
•    Use an approved safety can for storing all flammable liquids. 
•    Maintain adequate clearance in all directions around space heaters. Give the heater adequate clearance – 3 feet is the minimum – from walls and combustibles, such as clothes, curtains, furniture, files, etc. Also, do not put them under the desk where you cannot see them and may forget to turn them off. 
•    Never leave children unsupervised in a room with a space heater. 
•    If you use an electric heater make sure the wiring is adequate. Avoid using extension cords. Use an approved power strip with a built in circuit breaker. Do not overload the wall plug. 
•    Never cover the heater’s cord with carpeting or furniture. This could cause the cord to overheat and start a fire. 
•    Avoid using electric space heaters in the bathroom. Never touch an electric heater when you are wet. 
•    When refueling a kerosene heater, avoid overfilling it. If cold kerosene is used, it will expand as it warms up inside your office and may cause burner flooding. This could cause flare ups. 
•    Never fill your kerosene heater while it is burning. 
•    Turn off your heater and unplug it before you leave the office at the end of the day. 
•    When using a fuel burning heater, open a window to provide adequate ventilation. 
 
Over 700,00 fires are started worldwide each year by space heaters. Spending a little time thinking about the potential hazards of space heaters may save your building and lives.

Contact OMAG Risk Management Services if you have questions about this or other topics related to municipal workplace safety issues. Kip Prichard can be reached at (800) 234-9461 or kprichard@omag.org.

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OMAG Municipal Liability Protection Plan (MLPP) - Who Is Covered?

OMAG Municipal Liability Protection Plan (MLPP) - Who Is Covered?

The responsibility to respond to our members' coverage questions and provide coverage interpretation primary falls on OMAG’s Underwriting and Member Services Departments with support provided by OMAG’s Legal and Risk Management Departments. Providing a clear and consistent response to these inquiries is always our goal.

Our members occasionally ask “Who is covered under the municipality’s general liability plan and how does this plan define an employee? 

Who is covered? Any of the following are covered while acting within the scope of their municipal duties: any member of the municipal governing body, any elected or appointed official of the municipality, any member of boards and commissions of the municipality and any employee of the municipality, as defined in the agreement. 

Definition of Employee: OMAG’s plan mirrors the terms of the Governmental Tort Claims Act in defining the term “employee.” OMAG’s plan defines employee as "any person who has been authorized to act on behalf of the plan member whether that person is acting on a permanent or temporary basis, with or without being compensated, or on a full or part time basis. It includes all elected or appointed officers, members of governing bodies, and other persons designated to act for the plan member, but the term does not mean a person or other legal entity while acting in the capacity of an independent contractor or an employee of an independent contractor." 

Example: An independent contractor would be a person or company that the municipality hires to do a specific job, such as a local contractor to do a street project or an electrical company providing installation or repair. 

NOTE: You should always require the independent contractor to supply the municipality with a certificate of insurance. 

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